Aloha Kākou,

My name is Tyson Haupu. I am starting this fundraiser on behalf of my Aunty Acacia Pichay.

Aunty Acacia had a persistent cough for well over a year. In March of this year, a tumor was found in her right lung. At the time her Pulmonologist diagnosed it as a non-cancerous tumor. He recommended a follow up scan of the lung in 3 months. Days prior to the 3 month marker, she was in the Emergency Room with an appendicitis. A new scan of her lung was taken at that time. She was unfortunately informed that the tumor in her lung was possibly cancerous. During that hospital stay, she had an appendectomy. One week post surgery, she received a call from her surgeon that a 3.2 cm carcinoid/cancerous tumor was found on her appendix. Aunty Acacia was then diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer.

In August, she traveled to Kaiser Moanalua to biopsy her right lung. A few days later, the biopsy confirmed that the area of concern in her right lung was also a Neuroendocrine Tumor. (NET)

On October 13, she had the middle lobe in her lung removed along with all of the surrounding lymph nodes. Two days ago, her surgeon informed her that they found a second tumor in her middle lobe and it luckily was removed. Her next surgery will take place in about 1-2 months from now and will also be at Kaiser Moanalua. She will be having the entire right side of her colon removed along with all of the surrounding lymph nodes. NETs (Neuroendocrine Tumors) do not respond to chemotherapy or radiation and need to be surgically removed.

Due to the invasive nature of the surgeries, Aunty Acacia will be out of work for approximately 4-5 months from her job at Pure Health Dentistry where she is a full-time Registered Dental Hygienist . It will be extremely hard for her to take some time to relax, but it is a necessary step in her road to being healthy again.

My aunty is the epitome of a good person. She is known for her incredibly selfless, kind-hearted and genuinely sweet nature.

There will be a benefit/fundraiser on October 25 at Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread stand in Keʻanae where 100% of the proceeds will go directly to help Aunty Acacia in her fight.

On behalf of Aunty Acacia and all of her family and friends, we are extremely grateful for you all sharing her story and any contribution that you can offer.

Me Ka Mahalo,

Tyson Haupu